While people usually don't need to be concerned about excessive sweating, it is important to understand what causes this condition and when to seek medical attention. Sweating is our body's natural cooling mechanism and occurs everyday during exercise, anger, stress, and other physical and emotional conditions. However, excessive sweating can be embarrassing and cause social anxiety. While there are many causes of excessive sweating, the majority of cases are easily treated.
Idiopathic and secondary hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating usually occurs when you get hot or exercise. Sweating helps you cool off by evaporating fluids in the skin. It can also happen when you are anxious or stressed. Excessive sweating can be a sign of a more serious condition. Fortunately, there are treatments for this condition. To start, you should consult a dermatologist. Your doctor can perform a starch-iodine test, which involves coating your skin with a purple powder. This test can identify areas where you sweat excessively and if your sweat glands are overactive.
There are two types of hyperhidrosis. The first type is idiopathic or unrelated to an underlying health problem. The second type, called secondary hyperhidrosis, is triggered by a known or suspected medical condition. The latter is more likely to require medical attention.
Excessive sweating can lead to social anxiety and embarrassment. Fortunately, there are many ways to deal with this disorder, including using prescription antiperspirants. For the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary, which can remove the sweat glands and disconnect the nerves that control them.
The condition can also affect an individual's ability to perform daily tasks. If untreated, excessive sweating can affect the quality of life of sufferers and can negatively impact their work, relationships, and career. Excessive sweating is an embarrassing condition and may even lead to depression and loneliness. Some studies have shown a strong connection between hyperhidrosis and depression, with an increased risk of depression and anxiety among sufferers of the disorder.
People with hyperhidrosis suffer from embarrassment and shame. They feel uncomfortable in social settings and may even avoid certain situations due to their excessive sweating. They may even avoid work or school situations because of the embarrassment and shame they feel. Most sufferers don't seek treatment for their disorder, making it a silent handicap. But if you feel a severe case of hyperhidrosis, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Untreated hyperhidrosis can lead to finger and toenail infections, bacterial infections, and heat rash.
Treatment options for idiopathic hyperhidrosis include botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin injections reduce the activity of sympathetic nerves, which control sweating. Depending on the dose, neurotoxin injections can inhibit sweating for up to five months. These treatments are often costly and require repeat visits. They can cause temporary pain or weakness in the affected area.
What are the triggers of excessive sweating?
Anything that raises your body temperature may be a trigger. Some of the causes are obvious, while others may surprise you. If you exercise, for instance, you'll probably sweat more than usual. Drink plenty of water during the exercise and wear high-tech clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin.
Some causes of excessive sweating include diabetes, thyroid conditions, and menopause. Other possible triggers include certain medications and emotional conditions.
Another cause of excessive sweating is stress. High stress levels can cause the body to release too much serotonin, triggering an excess of sweat glands.
Treatment
If you have been suffering from excessive sweating for a long time, you may be considering undergoing medical treatment for the condition. Although hyperhidrosis is embarrassing for many sufferers, there are a variety of options available to help alleviate symptoms. The first step in getting treatment is to make an appointment with your primary care provider. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist or neurosurgeon, depending on your specific symptoms and condition. Before you go ahead with medical treatment, it's helpful to know your medical history, the medications you're currently taking, and the locations where you sweat the most.
First, your doctor may recommend antiperspirants with aluminum chloride. These products are designed for use on the armpits, but you can also use them on other parts of your body. Your doctor may also suggest using a special hydrocortisone cream to help soothe and moisturize the skin if the antiperspirant is causing irritation.
In some cases, the problem can be caused by another underlying medical condition. If you have a genetic predisposition to excessive sweating, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments.
If the sweating is caused by another disorder, the doctor may suggest treatment for that particular condition. Treatment for excessive sweating generally focuses on controlling the problem and reducing the symptoms. Prescription antiperspirants are usually used first. Other treatments may include nerve-blocking drugs or antidepressants. You may also undergo an injection of botulinum toxin. This substance blocks the sweating nerves and reduces the amount of excessive sweat you produce.
If the symptoms of excessive sweating are severe enough to prevent you from doing your normal activities, it's worth seeking medical attention. Several treatments are effective for the condition, and they can help you rebuild your confidence.
